San Jose defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Monday and improved to 10-2-2 in their past 14 games. Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson has 22 points (one goal, 21 assists) in his 13-game point streak. He had 10 assists in eight games before serving a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Kings forward Austin Wagner on Dec. 22. He has a goal and 11 assists in five games since returning. Edmonton, which defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-0 on Sunday at Honda Center, is 2-7-0 in its past nine games after going 5-0-1 in its previous six. Oilers forward Connor McDavid has 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in his past seven games.
Players to watch
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in his past seven games. Sharks forward Joonas Donskoi has six points (five goals, one assist) in his past five games.
They said it
"This is huge for us. They came into our building and pretty much took it to us. So now we have to come in here and make sure we're prepared." --- Oilers goalie Cam Talbot, who gave up seven goals on 40 shots in a 7-4 loss to San Jose on Dec. 29 at Rogers Place "Right now he's on fire. He makes unreal passes. He's looking left, but he sees right. It's really cool for a forward. If you're behind the [defensemen], you know he'll get you the puck." -- Sharks forward Tomas Hertl on defenseman Erik Karlsson
Spooner will return to the lineup after being scratched against Anaheim. … The Sharks did not announce their starting goalie. … Braun, who skated with a trainer, is on injured reserve and will miss his third straight game. … Vlasic skated with a trainer and has not been ruled out for the game.
Stat pack
Nugent-Hopkins will play his 500th NHL game. … Pavelski has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his past six games.
